BARCELONA: The Last Melon

The next weekend we were off to Barcelona! We were so excited for the sun and the beach after a rainy week in Rome, but we got to Barcelona and it was raining…. 

We stayed in an apartment right next to the Cathedral of Barcelona in the Born area.  It was such a charming area.  It was kind of like a mix between Paris, Rome, and New York CIty but with more COLOR.  Our first day we got our Starbucks and headed to Bo De B which is this famous sandwich shop in Barcelona.  We got there before it opened and there was already the longest line.  We waited for about 45 mins but it was soooo worth it.  The smell of the fresh bread baking filled the air and the colorful fresh ingredients lined the window.  You could pick chicken or steak and they cooked it fresh for you, then you picked from some of their famous sauces like a tzatziki, cilantro vinaigrette, hot sauce, balsamic reduction etc… I picked all of them.  Then they filled your sandwich with whatever you wanted.  I picked everything again because it all looked so good : avocado, tomatoes, rice, corn, lentils, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce…. it was beyond delicious! No wonder the line was way out the door!  

Then we jumped on the metro and went to La Sacrada Familia the famous church designed by Gaudi.  It looked like melting wax.  I have never seen something quite like it! You had to pay 12 euros to go inside, so being broke college students, we passed on that.  Its alright we still got some cool pictures though! 

Next we made our way to Parc Guell, also designed by Gaudi.  The park was a lot bigger than I imagined! We climbed to the top of this hill where there was some sort of cross mound, that had the most beautiful view from the top.  Then we went to the more famous area with the colorful mosaic benches and sculptures.  The place was so colorful and lively and was so beautiful even on an overcast day! There was a choir performing at the top and it just made for a wonderful experience.  Then we explored the cavern walkway (Emma, Julia, and Maria: Americas next top model finale runway….). So of course, we had to do a little posing. 

We were pretty tired after our long day of walking so we headed back to the apartment and some of the girls took a nap, but Danielle, Christine's sister, and I still wanted to explore our charming area.  We window shopped and got a couple of presents for my sisters ( I have a lot of goodies for you girls) :) 

Then we found a Tapas place for dinner called Taller de Tapas.  We ordered a pitcher of Sangria and got so many different little plates to try because they were all so cheap around 5 euros per dish!  We started with this tomato bread, Patatas Bravas (they have these everywhere in Barcelona, they are like steak fries with a spicy chili sauce and chipotle mayo), fried artichokes,  steamed mussels, garlic and chili shrimp, and chicken skewers.  My friend Alli came over to our apartment after dinner and we went to this place that reminded me of the Rainforest Cafe called El Bosc de les Fades. It was like an indoor forest that was famous for its pastries and Sangria.   

The next morning we got our Starbucks once again and headed right back to Bo de B…. It was just so good we had to do it again!!! Then we walked in the harbor and down the boardwalk where there were street vendors and performers and made it to the beach.  But then it started to rain on us :( So we rushed back to our apartment to take cover and look for a place for dinner.  Katherine and I really wanted to have Paella (a seafood rice dish) while we were in Spain so we found a place with Tapas and Paella called Lonja de Tapas.  We ordered artichokes with sun dried tomatoes, parmesan, and pine nuts, Patatas Bravas, and Paella.  So delicious, and of course the owners and waiters wouldn't leave our table alone because we were a bunch of American girls so we got a couple of pictures with them… 

Afterwards we went to L'Ovella Negra to watch the Barcelona soccer game.  It was this huge place with the a huge screen that showed the game live. This place was also "famous" for its sangria so of course we had to try it! We all agreed in the end our favorite one was at El Bosc de les Fades.  It was such a fun experience to be a part of Barcelona soccer which is such a big deal to them.  I just pretended I knew what was going on… all I knew was the guy Messi.  I have to admit it was a lot of fun though and all of the Barcelona soccer players were so attractive which always makes it easier to watch ;)  

Really in to the game..

We had to go home and get to bed because our flight left at 6 AM. This was the first trip we booked when we got to Rome and we didn't quite understand the 24hr time yet so initially we though we booked a 6 pm flight…. Oh well i was tired and ready to get back to Rome! 

That was actually my last trip abroad! It is so crazy to me how everything flew by so fast…. But I am excited to spend these last three weeks back in Rome so I can soak up every little last drop this city has to offer :) 

Bacioni xxxx 

Slowly but Surely: SPRING BREAK

Ciao!

Still making an effort to catch up... not complaining at all but traveling makes you so exhausted! And these weeks seem to be going by faster and faster...

SPRING BREAK: 

My roommates and headed down to Greece.  We took a flight into Athens and just spent the next morning there.  I was not too impressed with Athens.. actually, I really did not like it.  Because of its economic situation it is really run down and kind of sketchy so we did not want to spend too much time there.  We woke up at 7:30 and headed right to the Acropolis.  This was the part of Athens that was incredible.  The sun was shining and when you climbed to the top you could see the entire city, thousands of white buildings packed tightly in between the surrounding mountains and the aqua sea.  The Parthenon was very impressive as well, but I would have to say my favorite part was the view. We climbed down and hopped right into a cab to the bus station.  It was the perfect amount of time spent in Athens. We took an 8 hour bus to the island of Corfu.  Let me just say, Greece is the most beautiful country I have ever been in.  That bus ride was spectacular, and I could have never imagined saying that about an 8 hour cramped bus ride.  The entire trip consisted of beautiful views of turquoise water, snow capped mountains, herds of sheep in rolling fields, and little white stucco homes.  We went up and down cliffs and mountains on winding roads and so close to the sea that waves splashed on the bus.  

Corfu 

View from our Hotel Room

We had to take a ferry to get to the island which was also a beautiful trip.  We watched the sun set on the Ionian Sea.  We made it to the island around 8:00 and checked into the hotel.  We were quite exhausted from our day of travel but excited to lay out in the sun the next day.  We woke up at a decent hour both days and headed right to the beach and spent the entire two days relaxing.  It was perfect! Our two guy friends met us there as well which was really fun! 

I could only spend two days there because Mom was coming to visit me for the week! I met her at the airport because we both landed at the same time! It was so exciting to see her! Ive missed my family so much and even though they all couldn't make it here to Italy it was so nice to be with my mom for Easter :) I was so lucky! 

Right from the airport we got onto the train to Spoleto, which is a medieval town in Umbria.  It was a bit of a struggle finding where we were staying... medieval alley ways and pouring rain is not a good combination! But we finally made it and by 7:29 when the check in closed at 7:30..

Tired and soaking we dropped our bags off and then quickly searched for a place for dinner.  We stumbled on the most wonderful little restaurant, Il Tempio del Gusto. Umbria is famous for their truffles so we of course had to order anything that included them.  The chef even brought out some special dishes for us to try! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was so quaint and cozy.  They even made their own chocolates and gave us some to try! (Rosemary and sea salt).  Mom and I thought there was a hint of orange in them as well, but we proved ourselves wrong when we figured out the orange flavor was from the left over Emergence-e in our water bottles....

The next morning we got up early and went on the train to Assisi.  We got off the train and were wandering around the station when someone tapped me on the shoulder.... I turned around and saw it was my Theology professor, Dr. Gondreau and his family! We were lucky to run into him because we did not know how to get to the first church which was the one that St. Francis built.  We split up afterwards because I needed to go to a pharmacy since I had a bad cold but we ran into him many more times that day.  

We got to see the Basilica of St. Francis and his tomb inside.  We also saw the home he grew up in and St. Claire who in incorrupt.  Assisi was a beautiful town.  One of the most beautiful I have been to in Italy.  We headed back to Spoleto and had a nice dinner there but were absolutely exhausted from all of our walking up and down the hills and cobblestone streets of Assisi.  I passed out the second my head hit the pillow.

The next day we went to Cascia which was another near by medieval town.  This was the home to St. Rita.  It was a quaint little town tucked into the side of a mountain.  We saw the main Basilica and St. Rita, who was incorrupt as well.  We got a lunch and then headed back to Rome! (I was so excited to go back since I had been travelling for so long!) We made it back that evening and I decided to stay with Mom one night in Trastevere.  We had an incredible meal at Da Enzo, a restaurant that my photography professor recommended. The door was covered with awards so we knew that was a good sign.  It was adorable and the entire family was working there.  The little boy even brought us our check.  We had fried Artichokes, Chicken alla Romana, and I told mom she needed to try the Cacio e Pepe.  So delicious.  Then we had the best tiramisu ever.  There was a Nutella center.....

The next day we met up with the Gottwalts at St. John Lateran.  Then we went across the street and climbed Santa Scala which were the stairs Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus on.  There were blood spots from Christ still on them.  The line was incredibly long because it was good Friday and everyone climbs them on their knees.  It is a lot harder and a lot more painful than you would think... but it was such an incredible experience.



Afterwards I had a meeting with Brandy Melville so I had mom come along and check out the store and get some presents for my little sisters :) We went to Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Croce afterwards where the relics from the passion and true cross were.  Perfect place to spend Good Friday at.  MOM WORE ME OUT we were exhausted after this day... I had never walked so much...... and there were still places Mom wanted to go but we didn't make it to! But thats what you have to do when you only have a little time in Rome, try to fit as much as you can in a day because there is just so much to see in this city.

After, we met up with the Gottwalt's for dinner at another place in Trastevere called Le Mani in Pasta.  Also very delicious and recommended by my professor! We ordered Antipasti and the special which was a seafood pasta (it had an entire lobster on top....). Incredible. It was so fun to be able to be with Alli and her family in Rome!



The next day we had more of a relaxing day, but we definitely still did a lot.  First mom and I went to the church of Santa Francesa Romana in the Forum, then we went to San Andrea delle Valle which is a church I have passed so many times but have never gone into.  It was spectacular! We went to San Eustacchio which is a favorite coffee shop of the Italians and is famous for being in Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn.  We headed over to Campo dei Fiori after for the markets. Mom was in heaven as I expected :) I also had to show her Roscioli and since we didn't have time for a wine tasting we went to the restaurant for lunch.  We both died. We asked the waiter for a wine recommendation which was not even on the menu... He picked it specially for us :) Then we ordered an Artichoke salad and a prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula dish with a balsamic reduction and semi sun-dried tomatoes.  They also brought us a special appetizer from the kitchen which was ricotta with walnuts and pine nuts with sun-dried tomatoes and a pesto sauce.  Then we both ordered the Caccio e Pepe which was to die for.  The amount of shredded parmesan on top was ridiculous.  For dessert (which the waiter insisted on) he brought us cantuccini with a dark chocolate dipping sauce.  We were stuffed but we couldn't resist!

We needed a nap but we needed to get ready for the Easter Vigil at the Vatican.  So we got ready fast and rushed to St. Peter's.  People had been standing in line since 2 pm and the doors opened at 7.  We got there around 6:30 and cut the long line... you need to do what the Romans do to get anywhere! The Gottwalts met up but we got split up for the mass. We only waited in line for about 45 mins in the pouring rain.... but of course we made some friends in line. We ended up getting pretty close to the front and a good view of the Pope! It was probably the most beautiful mass I have ever been to.  Pope Francis had the sweetest voice and was so reverent.










The next morning I said goodbye to Alli and then showed my mom my area and where I go to school.  Then we had to go back towards the Vatican for an Easter luncheon we were invited to at the North American College.  It was such a beautiful day and finally sunny so we strolled around Trastevere and got some gelato and wandered through the markets.  We went into Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Church where St. Benedict's cell was.  We were so tired from all the walking so we took a nap before dinner.  We decided to go to dinner in the Jewish quarter to get Carciofi alla  Guida (artichokes cooked in the jewish style which is fried).  We went to Nonna Betta which was featured on Anthony Bourdain.  As we imagined, it was delicious. Everything on the menu had something with artichokes in it (my kind of restaurant).  I ordered artichoke ravioli and Mom had another artichoke pasta dish.  They gave us an assortment of Jewish pastries for dessert which were perfect.  It was a great last night with Mom :)  I was really sad to say goodbye to her but we will be reuniting so soon!

of course mom and I matched 

The next day my friends and I went on a Tuscany tour.  We were supposed to go to Siena first but our train was late.....




So we met up with the group and headed to San Giminiano and we got a food and wine tasting at a local farm.  Then we got a tour of their vineyard and farm.  We went up into the town afterwards and got a chance to explore.  The world's best gelato is from this town so our tour guide told us where the place was and to just look for a long line.  We saw a long line so we joined it and waited our turn.  We got such delicious gelato.... but then we looked across the street and realized the world famous gelato was there... so naturally we had to get another :)  Then we shopped a bit and I got a present for my Gma :)

The next stop on the tour was Pisa.  So we spent an hour taking every type of leaning tower picture possible.... I don't know why but we were all dying laughing.  I was so ready to get home by the end of that day trip because Spring Break wasn't really a break I just came out more tired!  But that was because I had so much fun and was able to fit so much into those 10 days.

Bacioni xxxx

LONDON

I am so stressed just thinking about everything I have to update you all on......

So I'm going to keep it short and sweet:

First thing we did, even before we got to our hotel, was eat Chipotle.  Not complaining about Italian food, but wow did I miss that place.  Second order of business was Starbucks and then we headed to our adorable hotel.

Next we went to go see London bridge and Abbey Road.  The Beatles make it look a lot easier on the cover... surprisingly, there was a lot of traffic in that area so we never got to quite perfect it! That night we went to O'Neil's for some good ol' pub food.  I ordered the fish and chips and cider because you have to in London!  So delicious... it was so fun to be in a different environment and be surrounded by English speaking people.








The next day we woke up early, got our Starbucks, and headed to the Tower of London.  It was crazy to be in a real castle.  It felt like we were in Game of Thrones or some kind of fairy tale.  We saw all the torture instruments, prisoner's towers (like St. Thomas Moore's), and the crown jewels.  We also saw the spot where Anne Boleyn and others were beheaded.


Then we did the Royal Walking Tour of London and saw all of the "royal" spots like Buckingham palace and St. Jame's.

Then I had a meeting with Brandy Melville to check out Urban Outfitters and Top Shop for our buying outing the next day.  We went to dinner at the Silver Cross in Leicester square for more pub food.  That night we went to Shortage to a hip Jazz bar where we swing danced with all the "hipster" Londoners.

The whole next day was our outing for Brandy Melville at Top Shop and Urban.  We headed to the airport to go to Dublin that night, but the moment we got there we looked at our boarding passes and it was the wrong airport... worst night ever.  I don't really want to get into it because I am trying to forget all about it :)

The Brandy Crew 

But don't worry we made it to Dublin the next morning for St. Patrick's day..... we were actually only there for three hours... but we were still there for St. Patrick's!  The few hours we were there made me want to go back so badly!!! I have never met better people.  So we got to the airport and were happy we got in early enough to make it to the Dublin parade. We went over to the information counter at the airport to see how to get there.  Unfortunately, she said if we went there we would get stuck and never make it back to the airport in time for our next flight.... but she said there was a small town close by called Swords with a little parade, we decided to check it out and make the most of our short time there! We got there and it was exactly how you would imagine a small Irish town to be like.  The parade consisted of homemade floats, little girls and boys irish dancing, and men playing bagpipes.  It was so charming.  We were starving so we found an Irish pub and walked in... it was empty except for a table of older irish women saving tables for the days festivities.  They were decked out in their irish gear, glittery pins, and hats, and green glasses.  They saw us walk in and noticed we looked a bit stressed and tired so one of the ladies pinned a bushes of real clovers on my jacket for and said they would give me a bit of luck that day :) ( I'm not superstitious at all but I swear after she did that I had the best luck... SO the night before was some of the worst luck I have ever had and everything seemed to go wrong but finally everything went smoothly and as planned and my mood changed drastically).  Everyone in the pub knew each other and were joking around and took pictures with us.  The ladies said we could not leave unless we had a Guinness so we could not refuse! We had so much fun with them and the owner of the pub, everyone was so sweet to us and it made me a bit sad that I couldn't spend more time there. After that lovely afternoon we hopped back on the plane and headed back to Rome.  I had never ever been so exhausted and was never so happy to be back in my bed.

 Bacioni xxxx